This Saturday, March 23, at 8:30 p.m., millions of like-minded people around the world will participate in Earth Hour. Started by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour is one hour that on the same day everyone turns off their lights in order to focus on protecting the environment, conserving resources, sustainability and climate change.

Our own Louisville Metro government, at the request of the Chair of the Metro Council’s Sustainability Committee, Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh, will be participating this year, as city-owned buildings go lights out for one hour. The city will monitor the reduced energy use and tabulate the savings, both in energy expenditures and cost savings.

Said Mayor Fischer, ““The city is excited to participate in this challenge and it aligns with our community’s goal of sustainability. Taking the first step is as easy as turning off your lights, and I challenge local businesses and residents to participate in Earth Hour, so that together we can make a real

The Office of Sustainability, created by Mayor Fischer, is responsible for improving and enhancing the environment and the environmental practices in the Louisville Metro area. Its key functions are:

Development of policies and guidelines within Louisville Metro Government to both reduce cost and encourage behavior change.

Coordinate and collaborate on economic, social and environmental issues related to sustainability.